Our First Farm Animal Rescue

Post by AVN member, Dave

I live in a rural community and as such my drive to work takes me past wonderful vistas of hay fields, streams, lakes, dairy farms and of course, being in the great north east, beautiful mountains. 

I drive about 30 miles one way to and from work each day. I have been doing this for over 20 years. You would think that one would take the views for granted after a while but the views constantly change with each season, and no two seasons appear the same. In the spring the snow melts and the tree buds appear. The hay fields start to green-up and the chirping of birds slowly increase as the sun appears for longer periods of the day. The smell of early spring flowers flood in through the partially open windows, each season brings its own special attributes, each one different and I that's what I love the most about the north east, the changing of the seasons.

There was and still is one constant that I notice each year. That is, newborn cows tied up to trees on the farmer's front lawns or tethered to a wall in a semi-open barn. This was a sign of renewal that came throughout the year, no matter what season. 

The dairy farm that I drive past everyday pastures their cattle on the opposite side of the highway, from the barn and farmhouse. The ritual - twice a day - once in the morning and once in the early evening, is to block off the main road while the cows cross from the pasture to the barn. Driving past these baby cows used to bring me joy but over the years I began to notice that these baby cows would wind their tether chain around the tree trunk until they couldn't move. Other than the tree branches and leaves, they were not provided with shelter. It began to deeply sadden me, to see this cycle of newborn cows being culled out and deprived of their mothers nourishment, both physically and emotionally. 

I discovered that the weaning process begins early for female calves (who are the ones I saw tied to the trees) and immediately for the male calves (who were tied to wall posts - their mother on the opposite side). The female calves would go on to become dairy cows and continue the process and the male calves would be picked up weekly and brought to auction for the veal industry.

Driving by the farm, one morning in late fall of 2006, I happened to notice one calf in particular. I don't know why, but I felt compelled by this particular little guy and I pulled to the side of the road to get a closer look. Knowing it was Wednesday, and having become familiar with the farm routine, I knew that he would be picked up the next day for auction. I felt a pressing desire to do something, to save this helpless being from a fate that he had no control over. Jan and I had previously discussed the terrible life that these animals go through and without hesitation we both decided that we needed to rescue this calf.

We approached the farmer to ask if we could have this calf. The farmer said that he would get $150.00 for this calf at auction and if we agreed to pay that fee then we could take him.  Hesitant at first (only because paying meant - in a way - supporting the meat and dairy industry) we decided that this calf's life was more important. We handed the farmer the money and away we went.

[When we went into the barn the farmer kicked the calf in the side to make him stand up. He explained that "this is what you do to get them on their feet." The little guy's hind end was covered in feces and his tail was stuck to his body. We put him in the back of our horse trailer and brought him home. We have three family horses (Spirit, Amber and Mac) who were very curious about their new friend. Once out of the trailer the calf began to run around and kicked his hind legs high in the air. It was as if he knew that he was safe.]

 Our family horses and Dylan - checking each other out

Dylan, when he first arrived at our house

This was a first for us, and we felt heavy in heart knowing that we had left others behind, but saving one life - this particular life - felt important and felt right. Neither Jan or I had tended to a cow before so we needed some instruction. With a few frantic phone calls and some Web site searches we figured out the basics of what we needed to buy for food and supplies. Over the next few days Jan phoned numerous places and people hoping to find a permanent home for this newly-freed fellow. After hours she finally reached Jenny Brown and Doug Abel of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary (WFAS) in Woodstock, NY. They agreed to take the calf and said that he would become an ambassador for all farm animals. 

Jan feeding Dylan

We put down some hay in the back of our horse trailer to prep for the calf's journey to his new home. We walked him inside the trailer and he circled and made himself comfortable as he laid down in the bed of hay. He was quiet and seemed content during the 1.5 hour road trip to WFAS. 

Dylan, nestled in the hay on the horse trailer

Upon arrival Doug welcomed the calf with open arms and was anxious to make him feel comfortable and safe. Since the calf was only about one week old, it would be a few weeks before it would be safe for him to join the existing herd. 

Doug Abel carrying Dylan to be weighed (80 pounds)

WFAS named him Dylan and now, this former veal calf is two-years-old, friendly as all get-out, and weighs about 800-pounds. Jan and I enjoy visiting him a couple times each year and when we approach the fence and call to him, he always comes running over to greet us.

Top: Dylan with Jan and Dave (2007)

Bottom: Dylan with WFAS 2007 ThanksLiving attendees

We can hardly find words to express our gratitude to Dylan and what he has done for our lives. This experience reinforced that our moral compass is set in the right direction.

Thank you to Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary for their open arms.

Maple Farm Sanctuary

Post by AVN member, Kristin

Tucked away in a cozy corner of Mendon, MA is a warm and friendly place where farm animals can frolic in peace, mingle with their friends, and be pampered by those who truly care about their well-being.

Maple Farm Sanctuary (MFS), co-founded in by Cheri Ezell-Vandersluis (a former goat farmer) and Jim Vandersluis (a former dairy farmer), is home to over 80 animals, providing "lifelong homes for abused, abandoned and unwanted farmed animals while promoting veganism and respect for all life through public information."

I was introduced to Maple Farm Sanctuary through a friend and have since begun volunteering to clean stalls, prepare meals, and soak up the goodness of the other volunteers and of the spirited animals. 

Left: Tori with MFS volunteer Tommy 

Right: MFS co-founder Cheri with Habibi

A few weeks ago the Albany VegNetwork put together a goody bag for the farm. The Farm is always in need of gauze, vet wrap, neosporin, Q-tips, digital thermometers, mineral oil, baking soda, and old blankets, sheets and towels.

Dave and Jan packing up goodies

All of the animals are wonderful, but I do have a soft spot for the llamas. I have never spent much time with llamas before (or pigs, goats, sheep and cows for that matter) but there is something about their big soft eyes, pronounced under bites and clever tricks (like quickly snatching the hat off of an unsuspecting passerby) that really warms my heart.

Also, having grown up around horses, and now seeing less of them since moving to Boston, I can't get enough of the horse barn at MFS. When I walk into the barn, the sounds, smells and even the way the air settles, is so comforting. It somehow grounds me again... every time. It never gets old.

I can't write about MFS and not include one exceptional volunteer by the name of Eva. A vegetarian most of her life, and now vegan, Eva has always had a passion for animal welfare. After a 2007 visit to relatives (who own dairy cows) in Ireland, Eva decided that she wanted to do more. She sought out a local farm sanctuary and found MFS. Her superior volunteer efforts led to more involvement in which she helped to organize and run the 2008 MFS open house, and now also gives farm tours, recruits and trains new volunteers, and helps with website updates - just a few of her tasks. From personal experience, Eva is incredibly dedicated and driven... and is quite simply, an outstanding volunteer!

Eva and Kristin with one of the llamas

More MFS animal pictures...

My Vegan Story

Post by AVN member, Jan

In my youth, before marriage and having a family I always had compassion for animals and I always felt a deep connection to them. For years, I had a shirt that stated "club sandwiches, not seals." This shirt often drew much attention and curiosity, I hoped that it would encourage people to understand the message and maybe even take action. Despite this, I had yet to make the "connection" and then, in my early forties, it all came together.

My family consists of myself, my husband Dave, our son Josh and daughter Kristin. During my kids growing years, I was concerned about additives, food coloring and preservatives in foods, especially 'quality meat.' Quality meat? What was I thinking? I recall the day that Dave bit into a burger and chipped his tooth on a piece of a bullet.  This incident sat heavy with me... how were these animals really being treated... and for my consumption?

It wasn't until years later that our lives would take a new direction that wold prove to benefit our health, the animals and the planet.

Our son Josh came home from traveling and announced he had become vegetarian. Not familiar with the term, Dave and I were concerned for Josh's health. We decided to take action and began researching the topic. Going in, we thought it would be easy to make a case to prove to Josh that being vegetarian is unhealthy.

What we found changed our lives. Reading books and researching on the Internet proved to be informative, educational and factual. Josh had also become involved with an animal activist from MA, which provided us with short undercover videos of inhumanely treated animals in the meat and dairy production industry. For the first time I saw, with my own eyes, what the mass population had never seen. Once learning of the horrible treatment of these innocent animals, I began having nightmares almost every night. I knew that I had to do more and now, nearly eleven years later, Dave and I are completely vegan and became founding members of the Albany VegNetwork (AVN). We also serve on the board and as officers of the AVN. Josh and Kristin (who are also members of the AVN) are both vegan as well - you could say that we are one big happy vegan family!

Dave and I continually attend lectures on topics regarding health, ethical concerns and the sustainability of the planet - and how they all relate to a plant-based diet. I enjoy meeting like-minded people and sharing my experiences with others. For me, a cruelty-free lifestyle is essential for my well-being and I am proud to say that have finally made the connection. 

Events: Peace Fair

Post by AVN Member, Jan

On Saturday, December 6th, the AlbanyVegNetwork (AVN) tabled at the third annual Peace Fair held in Glens Falls, NY. AVN members Jan and Dave handed out information, to Peace Fair attendees, on vegan-and vegetarianism and about the next Veg Expo.

Hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, the Peace Fair brought together related vendors like The Lemon Tree Yoga & Healing Studio and Upper Hudson Peace Action. There were also musicians and vegetarian food served throughout the day.

Dave and Jan had a wonderful time, met several vegetarians and vegans, engaged in enlightening conversations with many attendees and reported that it was a great event overall.

Vegan Dating

Post by AVN Member, Kristin

Did you know that as of May 2008 only about two million people (or 1%), of the entire U.S. population, reported living a completely meat-free vegan or vegetarian lifestyle1? And of that segment about 90% are female? Okay, I made that last one up, but it does seem like I have met way more vegan women than men in the past few years. Either way I suppose it does make the following question a bit clearer -

Why the heck is it so difficult to meet vegan guys... who are single - and looking for a relationship - and my type?!

I've actually had decent conversion rates (from omni to veggie that is). The two long-term guys in my past both became vegetarian, and have remained so. Not that I made it a goal or had to try very hard to convince them. They were both open to the idea and once learning more about it, converted with ease - I was simply a guide along the way.

A few months ago I decided 'out with the conversions and in with pre-existing vegans.' Little did I know that it would be a far greater challenge to find single vegan guys. It appears that most of them have been taken... and why not, they already have a lot more to offer like: no stinky meat breath, no clogged arteries, and probably even a bit of compassion!

Obviously they are out there (and probably growing in number), vegan guys I mean. The question is, where? Does it require long-distance dating (since I am sure they aren't all swarming to Boston just for me!) or is it simply more realistic to hope for additional willing converters? 

Photo: veggiekisses.com

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1 - Cited from Research and Markets report. Summary of report can be found at: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reportinfo.asap?report_id=614204&t=e&cat_id